There is nothing in marriage legislation that refers specifically to the subject of photography at the wedding and arrangements are at the discretion of the local superintendent registrar.
Following articles in the media, the Registrar General has written to registration officers in the following terms:
The Registrar General believes that all registration officers will share his view that our objective should be to ensure that the marriage ceremony is a joyous occasion for the couple involved and that they should be able to properly record it without undermining the solemnity or dignity of the occasion. He understands that it is the usual practice to discourage still photography during the ceremony but allow ample opportunity after the register has been completed. He accepts that this avoids any disruption of the proceedings but is also aware that there is nothing in law to prevent photographs being taken at any stage in the proceedings.
However, he is clear that this is a decision for superintendent registrars to make locally. He also accepts that the usual practice of allowing the couple to pose for photographs with a blank register or register page protects the register from any inadvertent damage without detracting from the traditional posed photograph. This practice also conceals the information in the register itself. Although this is not subject to data protection laws, it is a common-sense way of avoiding any identification of the couple or third parties, particularly where the image may be published on social networking websites.
The Registrar General is confident that all registration officers will also continue to ensure that all couples have a memorable and happy day with full opportunity to have the photographs they wish to provide a lasting memento.